It was an evening full of emotion, passion, and goosebump moments: At the glamorous world premiere of “Downhill Skiers – Ain’t No Mountain Steep Enough” at Vienna’s historic Gartenbaukino, more than 700 enthusiastic guests celebrated the new ski documentary by Gerald Salmina with standing ovations. A deeply moving moment – not only for the director, but also for the athletes themselves. The good news for all ski fans: “Downhill Skiers – Ain’t No Mountain Steep Enough” will hit cinemas in Austria, Switzerland, and South Tyrol on October 23, followed by Germany on October 30.
Vienna, Austria – Oct 13: The red carpet outside the cinema was buzzing. Under flashes of cameras and the spotlight of television crews, a who’s who of alpine skiing and beyond made their appearance – including Franz Klammer, Alexandra Meissnitzer, Marco Büchel, Michaela Dorfmeister, Fritz Strobl, Matthias Mayer, as well as former ski jumpers Thomas Morgenstern and Andreas Goldberger. Also in attendance were FIS President Johan Eliasch and Ski Austria Managing Director Christian Scherer. The movie premiere was hosted by Armin Assinger and Michaela Kirchgasser.
But the true stars of the night were, of course, the athletes themselves: Vincent Kriechmayr, Marco Odermatt, Daniel Hemetsberger, Dominik Paris, Cyprien Sarrazin, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, and Justin Murisier, who interrupted their training schedules to attend the premiere of their own film. It was the first time since the end of the racing season that the world’s elite downhillers reunited – and it quickly became clear that beyond the fierce competition, a deep sense of respect and camaraderie connects them. “We’re a couple of crazy guys, who just want to go down”, Vincent Kriechmayr explains in the film.
Excitement was high among all participants. “I deliberately didn’t watch the film beforehand because I wanted to experience it for the first time on the big screen. This is something truly special for all of us”, said Dominik Paris at the press conference. His teammate Cyprien Sarrazin, whose heavy crash in Bormio is also featured in the documentary, added: “It’s going to be very emotional to see those images again on the big screen.”
That emotion is precisely what Downhill Skiers conveys so powerfully: A film that captures the raw beauty and brutal reality of alpine skiing like never before. In over 130 minutes, Gerald Salmina takes viewers closer to the world’s top athletes than ever before – offering intimate and authentic glimpses into their lives on and off the slopes. The film reveals what is often hidden behind the helmets and medals: doubt, fear, pain, and pure joy. For one full season the cameras captured the lives of the world’s best downhillers, also covering their families, coaches and doctors.
Eleven years after his international hit “Streif – One Hell of a Ride”, Salmina once again delivers an inspiring cinematic masterpiece, that earned outstanding reviews at the Zurich Film Festival. The visitors in Vienna were touched emotionally, especially the athletes themselves.
“The athletes’ trust was the most important foundation to capture these genuine and emotional moments,” said Gerald Salmina after the screening. “Our biggest reward is when people are touched and inspired by what we do. Judging by tonight’s reactions, I think we achieved exactly that – and that’s why my team and I make films with the same passion these skiers bring to the mountain.”
“Downhill Skiers – Ain’t No Mountain Steep Enough” is more than a sports documentary – it’s an emotional journey into the heart of human ambition, fear, and determination. A film that truly leaves a mark.
Quotes after the film premiere
Marco Odermatt
“It’s a very emotional film, full of ups and downs. There are some terrible crashes, but also so many uplifting moments… successes and comebacks. It’s that contrast that makes this movie so special.”
On seeing his parents in the film: “It was quite intense to see my parents like that, being scared and worried. It’s not easy for them, I couldn’t do it, I prefer to be the one skiing down the hill.”
Vincent Kriechmayr
On dealing with danger: “When you see the footage in this documentary, it’s clear that risk is part of our sport. There’s no point denying it. I’ve been lucky so far. I love what I do and I’m looking forward to what’s next.”
Dominik Paris
“I’m absolutely thrilled with this film. So many emotions, so many insights and behind-the-scenes moments – you never get that at a regular race. I’m really proud to be part of this documentary.”
Cyprien Sarrazin
“It wasn’t hard for me, but I had goosebumps. There are many tough moments of mine in the film, but that’s life. I’ve accepted it, and I’m moving on. I really enjoyed being here in Vienna with the guys tonight, this is what I want.”
Aleksander Aamodt Kilde
“I was curious how I’d feel watching it – but it wasn’t too bad. Still, next time I’d prefer to see more skiing scenes and fewer hospital ones of myself! I’ve never seen our sport presented so beautifully, thank you, Gerald!”
Daniel Hemetsberger
“On TV, you see the competitions – and that’s great – but you never get to see the personal side. This documentary gives fans and sports enthusiasts a unique chance to look behind the curtain. It’s something truly special.”
Justin Murisier
“At first, I talk in the interview about how tough the competition is and how happy I’d be with a podium finish. And then, shortly after, I win the race in Beaver Creek. It’s crazy – almost like Gerald wrote the script himself! Seeing that again in the film is something very special for me – and proof that you should always believe in yourself!”
Franz Klammer
“It was very emotional, very intense. These insights and behind-the-scenes moments are fascinating. It’s a pity no one made something like this back in our day – I would’ve been the first to join.”
FREE CONTENT FOR EDITORIAL USE (News/Clips & Social Clips)
– News Cut (Red Carpet / Film Premiere) for download (direct via wetransfer) incl. press release, shotlist and transcript
– Selects, Photos, Press Release (different languages) for download
Contact: Fabian Ress
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